About Me

Even though I grew up in the city, my dream was to have my own home in the country. After finding the right place, I had to learn about some essentials of country living. That included learning how to take care of the septic tank.
In the city, I never worried about where everything went when I flushed the toilet or took a shower. I soon learned that if I wanted to enjoy the serenity of my new home, I had better learn the basics of septic tank cleaning and repair. Fortunately, I found somebody who taught me when to deal with things on my own and when to call a professional.
If you just moved to a home that has a septic tank, keep reading. I'll help you know when its time for the tank to be inspected, cleaned, or repaired. Trust me, that knowledge will come in handy.

You may want a roofing inspection before you buy a home or after a hailstorm. You may check the roof yourself occasionally, but that's not the same as having an inspection by a professional. Damage isn't always easy to spot if you don't know what to look for. Here are some of the things the roofer might check during roofing inspections.

Signs Of Aging And Damaged Shingles

Shingles are checked for cracking, curling, and loss of granules. The inspector also looks for signs of storm damage, such as dents and bruises from hail. Loose and missing shingles are also noted. An inspection can reveal how close the roof is to the end of its lifespan and pinpoint isolated areas that need shingle replacement. Another thing the roofer may be concerned about is moss growth. Black stains on a roof are often from algae, and even though this may seem like a cosmetic problem, moss growth could be a sign that the shingles are holding dampness or hiding rot.

Dampness And Rotting Of The Deck

The roof deck is hidden under the shingles, so it can't be inspected visually unless some shingles are missing or taken off. Instead, the roofer can judge the condition of the deck by the way it feels when it's walked on. It should be strong and hard if the deck is dry and in good shape. A deck that's wet or rotted will have a slightly bouncy feel. The roof might even look like it's sagging when the deck is in bad condition.

Another way to check if the deck has leaks is to look at it from underneath by going into the attic. If the roof is leaking, then there will be clues in the attic that might include damp wood, wet insulation, and mold or a musty odor.

Cracked Rubber Or Rusty Metal Around Protrusions

While the deck and shingles are important parts of a roof, there are other components that need to be checked too. The rubber around vents might be cracked and decayed due to UV exposure, and metal flashing might be loose or rusty. These conditions can lead to roof leaks. The inspector will check all protrusions through the roof to check the caulking and seals.

While the gutters aren't part of the roof, they can cause trouble for the roof by getting clogged and allowing rain to get under the shingles. The inspector may check the gutters to see if they've been working properly and to look for loose granules that might signal the old age of the roof.

When you receive the inspection report, you'll find out if your roof is in need of repairs or a replacement. This could be important to know for filing an insurance claim in a timely manner or for making a wise decision before you buy a house.